The statue of Norman Borlaug is based on a 1960s photo of him, deep in thought ? and wheat ? in a field in Mexico. Special to the Register

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Today is the 99th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Cresco native considered one of Iowa's greatest heroes thanks to his work to feed millions of hungry people worldwide.

State officials plan to celebrate by sharing some good news.

Gov. Terry Branstad plans to announce today that about $220,000 has been donated to cover the entire bill for commissioning a statue of Borlaug at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The governor is expected to be joined by U.S. Reps. Tom Latham and Steve King, both Iowa Republicans, at a Statehouse news conference. ...